Thesameignorance，whichrendersbarbariansincapableofconceivingorembracingtheusefulrestraintsoflaws，exposesthemnakedandunarmedtotheblindterrorsofsuperstition。TheGermanpriests，improvingthisfavorabletemperoftheircountrymen，hadassumedajurisdictionevenintemporalconcerns，whichthemagistratecouldnotventuretoexercise；andthehaughtywarriorpatientlysubmittedtothelashofcorrection，whenitwasinflicted，notbyanyhumanpower，butbytheimmediateorderofthegodofwar。^64Thedefectsofcivilpolicyweresometimessuppliedbytheinterpositionofecclesiasticalauthority。Thelatterwasconstantlyexertedtomaintainsilenceanddecencyinthepopularassemblies；andwassometimesextendedtoamoreenlargedconcernforthenationalwelfare。AsolemnprocessionwasoccasionallycelebratedinthepresentcountriesofMecklenburghandPomerania。TheunknownsymboloftheEarth，coveredwithathickveil，wasplacedonacarriagedrawnbycows；andinthismannerthegoddess，whosecommonresidencewasintheIslesofRugen，visitedseveraladjacenttribesofherworshippers。Duringherprogressthesoundofwarwashushed，quarrelsweresuspended，armslaidaside，andtherestlessGermanshadanopportunityoftastingtheblessingsofpeaceandharmony。^65ThetruceofGod，sooftenandsoineffectuallyproclaimedbytheclergyoftheeleventhcentury，wasanobviousimitationofthisancientcustom。^66
[Footnote64:Tacit。Germania，c。7。]
[Footnote65:Tacit。Germania，c。40。]
[Footnote66:SeeDr。Robertson\'sHistoryofCharlesV。vol。i。
note10。]